The long-awaited operation of a CT scanner at Mallow General Hospital (MGH) is to commence shortly. The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced yesterday (Wednesday, April 9) that a clinical specialist radiographer and senior radiographer to operate the new CT scanner at the hospital have now been appointed and that the CT scanner service will commence on the phased basis in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the HSE said that the CT scanner will initially enable approximately 10 -15 patients per day to be scanned locally thus avoiding the necessity of travelling to Cork city. "The scanner is a crucial asset to the hospital as it will mean a speedier and more effective patient diagnosis, which is of great benefit to the people of North Cork and surrounding areas. It will also reduce the demands on our ambulance service and staff due to patient transfers and increase efficiencies at the hospital," the spokesperson said.

The news came just hours after doctors in North Cork strongly criticised the HSE for their failure to appoint a radiographer to operate the idle CT scanner at the hospital.

At a press conference held in Mallow yesterday, retired consultant anaesthetist Dr Patrick Thorpe claimed that the scanner is currently costing well in excess of €150,000 per annum, compared to the cost of appointing a senior radiographer at a cost of €70,000.

It was also highlighted that in 2007 alone there were 654 patient referrals to Cork University Hospital for CT scans involving up to five daily transfers of patients by ambulance. "The knock on effect of this arrangement is that an already overstretched ambulance service is not available when urgently required not mention the cost" said Newmarket based GP Dr Bertie Troy.

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